Turning bone tumor-supporting immune cells into cancer-fighting cells for breast cancer that has spread to bone
Reprogramming tumor associated macrophages to induce anti-tumor immune responses in bone metastatic breast cancer.
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11131023
This work aims to change immune cells that help tumors in bone into cells that fight cancer for people with breast cancer that has spread to bone.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131023 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Bone metastases from breast cancer often cause pain, fractures, and worse outcomes because tumors disrupt normal bone cells. Researchers found that a tumor protein called Gli2 drives signals that both destroy bone and may expand tumor-helping immune cells called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The team plans to block Gli2-driven signals and reprogram those macrophages so they support anti-tumor immunity, using laboratory models and patient-derived samples to test effects on tumor growth and bone damage. If successful, the approach aims to lower bone destruction and make the immune system better at controlling tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer that has metastasized to bone, especially those with visible bone lesions or symptoms related to bone metastases.
Not a fit: People with early-stage breast cancer without bone involvement or with other cancer types not driven by the same pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce tumor-driven bone destruction, pain, and tumor growth by shifting immune cells in the bone to fight cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages have shown promise, but clinical success in humans remains limited so far.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RHOADES (STERLING), JULIE A — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- Study coordinator: RHOADES (STERLING), JULIE A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.